On Saturday, Lahore in Pakistan ranked as the most polluted city out of 124 cities worldwide, according to IQAir’s air quality index, with a score of 278, classified as "very unhealthy." Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, followed in second place with a score of 244, also categorized as "very unhealthy." Meanwhile, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, secured the third spot with a score of 203, which falls under the same category.

The Switzerland-based IQAir updated this data on its website, highlighting real-time air quality levels to inform and warn the public about pollution levels in specific cities. According to IQAir standards, air quality scores between 51 and 100 are deemed "moderate" or "acceptable," while 101–150 is "unhealthy for sensitive groups." Scores of 151–200 are considered "unhealthy," 201–300 "very unhealthy," and anything above 300 is labeled "hazardous."

To mitigate the effects of Dhaka’s air pollution, IQAir advises vulnerable groups to wear masks outdoors and avoid exercising in open air.